cast off

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to detach something (e.g. a rope) from something else, or to remove something (e.g. clothing). Example sentence: The sailors cast off the mooring line from the dock.

✓ Grammatically correct

Knitting

Nautical

Figurative language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Cast off in patt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

New centers CAST OFF ¾.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Those who meet, CAST OFF ¾.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We cast off.

The Guardian - Travel

You cannot cast off passions so easily.

Independent

Cast off loosely in rib.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The cast-off part is sometimes regenerated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One problem is cast-off autos.

The New Yorker

The cast-off cuticle, or exuviae, remains behind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cast-off divisions were named Avondale Industries.

Forbes

Me, I prefer a bunch of cast-off Ikea.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cast off" in a nautical context, ensure the subject is the vessel or the crew performing the action, not the lines themselves. For instance, say "The crew cast off the lines" instead of "The lines were cast off."

Common error

Avoid using "cast off" too literally in contexts where a simple 'remove' or 'discard' would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

Cast off functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Grammatically, it combines the verb "cast" with the particle "off" to create a new meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Examples show it acting as a verb, where the subject performs the action of discarding or releasing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "cast off" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from the literal act of releasing a rope or finishing a knitting project to the figurative act of discarding old beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency is classified as "very common", with notable occurrences in News & Media, Wiki, and Lifestyle contexts. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication. When writing, consider the context to ensure appropriate usage; avoid overuse in cases where a simpler synonym like 'remove' or 'discard' would suffice. With its established presence in various domains, "cast off" remains a valuable asset in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slip the moorings

Specifically in nautical contexts, describes how a boat leaves dock.

finish off

Specifically in knitting contexts, describes how the last row of stitches must be completed.

discard

Focuses on getting rid of something deemed no longer useful or desirable.

shake off

Indicates an effort to free oneself from something burdensome.

reject

Emphasizes a refusal to accept or consider something.

let go

A more general term for releasing or relinquishing something.

release

Highlights the act of letting something go, often physically.

abandon

Implies leaving something behind completely, often with a negative connotation.

unbind

Highlights the action of freeing someone or something that was tied or constrained.

jettison

Suggests throwing something overboard, often from a ship or aircraft.

FAQs

How can I use "cast off" in a sentence?

You can use "cast off" to describe discarding something (e.g., "He cast off his old clothes"), releasing a rope (e.g., "The sailors cast off the mooring lines"), or finishing a knitting project (e.g., "Cast off all stitches at the end").

What's the difference between "cast off" and "discard"?

"Cast off" often implies a more decisive or forceful action of rejection or release, while "discard" is a more general term for getting rid of something. "Cast off" also has specific meanings in nautical and knitting contexts that "discard" does not.

What can I say instead of "cast off" in a knitting context?

In knitting, you can use alternatives like "bind off" or "finish the edge" depending on the specific technique and desired level of formality.

Is "cast off" always related to physical actions?

No, "cast off" can also be used figuratively to describe rejecting ideas, habits, or societal norms (e.g., "She cast off the shackles of tradition").